.:: Math Treats or Math Tricks?? ::.

There is only one word to describe the first lesson presented by Dr Yeap Ban Har:

STRESSFUL  SPECTACULAR   SLEEPY
     

I am pretty sure that everyone in the class silently wishes that he was our Elementary Math Teacher - life would be very different now. No sighs upon seeing numbers, no complaints about equations and definitely better at financial management (who knows? ... hmm but that is a different story). Going back to the spectacular experience, we were put to test with not 1 but 3 major experiments. We gambled the night away with cards (Spelling Number Words Trick), dice (Dice Trick), and paperclips (Take 1 or Take 2 Game).

The stimulating experiments got me thinking of how I learned the basic Math concepts many years ago. I can still recall how I used my little fingers (and even toes sometimes) to add or minus while doing my sums. Sounds cute?? Not really. Looking back I don’t think those moments were enriching. Yes I do learn – I can count, I can do sums and many more. But the lessons were very dreary. I can’t seem to remember any unforgettable enjoyable Math experience because there was none. My Math teacher conducted Mental Sums to test our understanding every single week without fail. I even had to recite my multiplication sums (1x2=2, 2x2=4, 3x2=6…) with my friends during recess time. Once I was asked to skip my meal one morning because I can’t remember what is 6x8. Yes the journey was rough but nevertheless I adore Math till today J

Reflecting on the joyful learning that went on during the first lesson, I am further motivated to inspire the children under my care with the same feelings as they learn. As an adult learner, I feel that it is important to have the lessons I attend be as engaging as possible. What more young children who are active thinkers. They need to be stimulated intrinsically.

From what I had that night on September 3^rd, I swore I was fully awake the whole time. And I believe I won't need any cup of coffee (of any brand) to help me stay conscious for the rest of the module :)

Till then...